Families struggling financially in and around Malmesbury could soon benefit from plans to launch a foodbank in the town.

The local 1100 eRotary Club, which meets online, and Churches Together have teamed up to push for a foodbank franchise in the area through the Salisbury-based Trussell Trust.

A public consultation meeting has been set up for Wednesday, January 15, at 7.30pm at Malmesbury’s United Reformed Church to identify whether there is a need for the service.

The meeting aims to bring together volunteers and organisations to support the project, which provides food for families who have fallen on hard times.

Ray Sanderson, eRotary group member and a former town mayor, has agreed to chair the committee to progress the formation of the foodbank.

He said: “It has become apparent that while the majority of Malmesbury and the surrounding areas still live to the standards they are accustomed to, there are many who, through no fault of their own, are struggling to make ends meet.

“In these recessionary times, people are losing their employment, in some cases without notice, plunging them into financial chaos.”

A site has been identified and it is hoped funding will be available to improve it, accommodate the storage and packing of food and create a reception area.

The team is now looking for volunteers to assist with the running of the charity.

The Trussell Trust was launched a decade ago and has set up 400 of the 600 foodbanks in the country.

To volunteer for the foodbank duties, call Coun Sanderson on 07710 082085 or go to the meeting.